Toile: step one

Step one = Toile

So ive picked a design with the help of my tutor, taking into consideration my non exisitent construction skills and i'm finally making my toile... its going... ok?

although i think we picked one of my simpler designs (construction wise) im still struggling with the complexity of translating my own design into an actual garment. It's worlds away from creating a garment based on instructions given to me by my tutors or folow the steps in a book. There's so much to think about and im having real trouble with deciding the order in which i construct my pieces. I'm also having to use the cover stitch machine which has become my latest technological foe... but im determined to finish it to a high standard and before my toile review deadline.

Im aso dicovering that sometimes you have to adjuct your initial design once you start making it out of fabric. This is a hard lesson but a necessary one, which will enable me to be better prepared next time i create something.

Work Experience - Beau Couture

Okay, so not content with the length of my current C.V i decided that more work experience was needed and so i took myself off to the Enterprise Pavilion at the university. After talking to Matt & Claire in the office, i came away with the email address of a graduate who needed help finishing her first collection and another exciting project which i shall talk about later on. 

The graduate was Natasha, who runs her own company called 'Beau Couture' and who makes really beautiful clothes with countryside and sea side inspirations. All of her clothes have amazing shape and textures. The first project she asked me to help her with was a photo shoot of her new collection, which was an amazing experience. 

She shoot four different sets of lingerie, all of which were stunning and so well made. The photo shoot itself was the first professional shoot i've been on and i loved it. It almost made me want to do Buying and Merchandising next year - almost... 

I'm going to continue to do work experience with Natasha and 'Beau Couture' and cant wait. 

I also recommend other students go to the EP, as its such a great way to gain experience of the industry right on your doorstep.